On November 3, 2024, the California Organic Food Expo opened its doors at the San Francisco Convention Center, marking a historic moment for the state’s organic food industry. Drawing over 5,000 attendees, including food producers, consumers, chefs, and sustainability advocates, this event was designed to showcase California’s leadership in organic food production and promote sustainable eating practices.
A Thriving Organic Food Market in California
California has long been a leader in organic food production, with over 3,000 certified organic farms across the state. The California Organic Food Expo was created to highlight the state’s influence in the organic food movement and encourage collaboration across the industry. The event’s goal was to unite producers, retailers, chefs, and consumers to discuss the future of organic food and explore new, sustainable food production methods.
California’s organic market has been expanding rapidly, driven by increasing consumer demand for healthier, environmentally friendly food options. In fact, organic food sales in California make up over 40% of the U.S. total, and the industry continues to grow at a rate of 10% annually. This growth is a direct response to consumer interest in food traceability, ethical sourcing, and sustainability—issues that were central to the expo’s programming.
Key Players and Their Contributions
At the heart of the expo were some of the biggest names in organic food production, including Earthbound Farm, Organic Valley, and Clif Bar & Company. These companies have helped define the organic food landscape, advocating for better farming practices and promoting the idea that sustainability and profitability can coexist.
Earthbound Farm, for example, is one of the largest organic farming operations in the U.S., producing everything from leafy greens to organic berries. Their CEO, Michele L. Hogan, spoke at the expo about the challenges and rewards of scaling up an organic farming operation while maintaining environmental integrity.
Another significant player, Organic Valley, a cooperative of over 1,800 family farms, emphasized the importance of supporting small-scale organic farmers. Their president, George Siemon, explained how the co-op helps farmers thrive by ensuring fair wages and advocating for the financial viability of organic farming.
Notable Moments: Breakthroughs and Innovations in Organic Farming
A key moment at the expo was the unveiling of the Organic Innovation Award, which recognized companies that have made significant advancements in organic farming techniques. This year’s winner was Sun Basket, a meal kit delivery service that ensures all of its ingredients are 100% organic and sustainably sourced. In addition to providing organic meal kits, Sun Basket uses eco-friendly packaging, reducing its environmental footprint in the process. Their win highlighted the importance of adapting innovative business models to meet consumer demand for organic and sustainable products.
The expo also featured a panel discussion on regenerative agriculture, led by The Rodale Institute, which has been a leader in promoting soil health and sustainable farming practices. Regenerative agriculture focuses on restoring the soil’s natural ability to store carbon, increase biodiversity, and improve water retention. These techniques are seen as critical for reversing climate change while still meeting the demand for food. The discussion included real-world case studies of California farmers who have successfully implemented regenerative practices.
Behind the Scenes: Growing the Organic Movement
Behind the scenes, the expo was much more than a showcase of food—it was a celebration of the individuals, businesses, and organizations that have been tirelessly working to bring organic food to the mainstream. California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), the nation’s largest organic certification body, was a prominent presence at the event. CCOF has certified over 4,500 farms and businesses in California, helping to shape the organic standards that other states and countries now follow.
Additionally, the event highlighted the new generation of organic farmers—young entrepreneurs who are committed to reshaping food production systems to be more sustainable. These farmers are experimenting with vertical farming, aquaponics, and urban agriculture, pushing the boundaries of traditional farming and reducing the environmental impact of food production. Their work is crucial in addressing food security challenges and making organic food more accessible.
Impact and Lasting Effects: California’s Influence on the Organic Food Industry
The California Organic Food Expo 2024 demonstrated the increasing power of consumer-driven change in the food industry. With millennials and Gen Z consumers demanding healthier, more ethical food choices, the organic food industry is poised for continued growth. The expo served as a reminder that organic food is not a trend, but rather a movement that will influence the future of food production across the world.
The lasting effects of the expo will likely extend beyond California, inspiring other regions to adopt more sustainable farming practices and to prioritize organic certification. This shift will not only benefit the environment but also contribute to improving health outcomes by reducing the presence of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers in our food supply.
